None of Ryan Walker’s riding buddies believed him when he told them he won the KLIM Experience riding trip of a lifetime.
“I kept telling them, ‘I just won this KLIM contest and get to go out there for the Jackson Hillclimbs and go riding with the guys from KLIM in the mountains this winter!’ But they didn’t believe me,” Ryan said. “But as soon as they believed they all really wanted to go—but I had to take my brother, it was an easy choice.”
By correctly guessing how much weight the Valdez Parka was supporting in the KLIM booth at the Novi, Michigan snow show, he won the Ultimate KLIM Experience—a trip out West to ride big country on big sleds with big names in snowmobile racing, riding and instruction.
It was a trip of firsts for Ryan and his lucky guest/brother Mitchell—raised in the high-speed country of Michigan’s sled scene (their families have two performance drag sled shops), these self-proclaimed flat-landers were about to drive world-class mountain terrain with focused instruction and access to the best in the business.
Here’s a quick breakdown of their trip: A private tour of KLIM’s Idaho facilities, two days of riding in some of the most dynamic stashes of powder-rich country on earth, private riding instruction and mentoring by Matt Entz of Mountain Skillz, riding companions Cole Willford (three-time World Champion Hillclimber), Chris Olds and Mike Morgan (from Alaska’s Iron Dog race fame) and a day watching and interacting with all the racers at the World Championship Hillclimb in Jackson.
The KLIM Experience would take the Walker’s to the limit, made them go all-in, and pushed them to the edge of their comfort zone. But they came out shining. It’s safe to say the trip left a lasting impression.
“I was really impressed with how well the guys progressed in one day of riding,” said Matt Entz of Mountain Skillz. “They guys took my advice and learned how to handle these mountain sleds right away, we had two days of great backcountry riding in and we all left sore and happy.”
The guys agreed.
“I’m seriously considering buying a mountain sled and making multiple trips out west next year,” Ryan said. “After working with Matt for a day, I really enjoyed it. He’s a great teacher and puts the techniques into perspective snowmobilers can really understand.”
“Before coming out here to visit KLIM, and see where they and their supporting riders ride, I always sort of thought KLIM was just a brand that cost a little more than my old gear. Now, I know the difference KLIM gear makes and I can’t believe how great everyone was to us. From KLIM employees to racers getting ready to hit the hill in Jackson, everyone was genuine and ready to help. I’m a KLIM believer for sure now and all my riding buddies are now, too.“